Target April 2026 Edition

April 2026

Tayside Excellence Awards Signshop Works

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Broughty Ferry Active Travel Scheme Reaches Final Milestone Page 6

Page 25

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Union Street, Dundee Environmental Improvements Page 13

Community Fund Save By The Bell & Brechin Community Garden

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Celebrating Carolyn McGregor’s National Success Page 10

Developing the Young Workforce DYW Proud to be a Pledge Partner

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Grapevine As we move into spring, and celebrating our 30 years of front line services to the threes Councils, I want to begin by acknowledging what has been an exceptionally wet and challenging winter period. Despite difficult conditions, our teams have continued to deliver safely, professionally, and with real determination. This resilience and commitment across the organisation is greatly appreciated. Following this wet period my fingers are crossed to see a repeat of the fantastic summer we experienced in 2025.

This Spring edition provides an opportunity to recognise the contributions made by

Your feedback is vital in helping us understand what we do well and where

everyone throughout the organisation. I would like to thank all those who has taken the time to contribute articles included in this magazine. These stories highlight the

improvements can be made, enabling us to continue developing to be the best organisation we can be.

breadth of work we do, the pride we take in it, and the people who make it happen.

As we move further into the year, let’s carry forward the same positivity, collaboration,

“Delivering excellence at the heart of our communities”.

A key focus for our business continues to be Developing the Young Workforce, and we

and determination that have seen us through a challenging winter. I remain incredibly proud of what we achieve together and confident in the strength of our teams.

remain a proud pledge partner. I’m personally passionate about supporting

Thank you for your continued hard work and

young people into meaningful employment and skills development is essential for the future of the organisation, our communities, and it is encouraging to see continued engagement across our

commitment. I hope you enjoy this Spring edition and the stories it shares about the people and projects that make our organisation what it is.

teams.

Your voice matters and with this in mind, I encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming employee survey. We genuinely want to hear your views.

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Best wishes,

Dougie

TAYSIDE CONTRACTS VEHICLES IN ACTION Thanks to everyone who shared photos of Tayside Contracts vehicles hard at work keeping our communities safe and moving.

We’re delighted to share the winning image here, capturing our team in action.

Image credit Andy Richards

Image credit Ryan Campbell

Image credit Eck Carle

Steven Allan

Image credit Ryan Campbell

‘I tried to catch David on the mini plough in Monifieth High Street today, but I was too late.

By the time I was up, he was finished and off to do some drainage works.’

Tayside 1996

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Through

Contracts

the Years...

2026

Broughty Ferry Active Travel Scheme Reaches Final Milestone

By Graeme Allan, Depute RMP Manager & Ross Smith, Project Engineer The Dundee Roads Maintenance Partnership (DRMP) has successfully completed the final phase of the Broughty Ferry Active Travel scheme, marking a major achievement in a project that has been transforming the coastal corridor since 2019.

The latest works, delivered as part of Area 2B, focused on the Esplanade. This phase introduced a series of raised pedestrian crossings along the route, including the junctions with Rugby Terrace, Panmure Street and Brook Street. These improvements shorten crossing distances and create safer, more accessible links for everyone moving through the area.

Project Engineer Ross Smith led the delivery of this phase, supported by Chargehand Daniel MacLachlan and his civils team, who carried out the drainage upgrades and constructed the new crossing points.

Chargehands Rory Keen and Stephen Johnston and their surfacing team completed the carriageway resurfacing and tabletop features, bringing the route up to a high-quality finish.

Since 2019, the DRMP has played a central role in delivering, or supporting the delivery of, almost every major phase of the wider scheme, which aims to enhance the NCN01 coastal path between Broughty Ferry Castle and Monifieth. Securing the final phase through competitive tender was a significant milestone for the DRMP. With an overall project value of £18 million, the scheme has delivered substantial improvements for active travel, creating a fully inclusive walking and cycling route complemented by upgraded public realm, biodiversity enhancements and landscape improvements. Area 2B alone generated approximately £800k in income for the DRMP.

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Whether for local residents, daytrippers or those simply passing through, the completed route opens up even greater access to the area’s stunning coastline. The map below highlights how the new infrastructure connects seamlessly with National Cycle Network Route 1, providing a continuous link from Dundee to Monifieth.

Welcoming Spring: A Season for Renewed Wellbeing As the days grow lighter and nature begins to wake from winter, spring offers the perfect opportunity to refocus on our wellbeing. After months of darker days, colder weather and heavy rain, this season brings a natural sense of energy, optimism, and possibility. Here are some practical ways to make the most of spring for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Physical Wellbeing: Reenergise With the Season

By Leanne Reilly, Strategic Lead HR, IT and Business Support

As the weather improves, it becomes easier to build healthy habits and boost your physical wellbeing.

Enjoy Natural Light A daily dose of daylight can improve sleep, boost mood, and lift energy levels. Try: A short lunchtime walk Sitting near a window when possible Taking a few minutes to stand outside, ideally in the morning Refresh Your Eating Habits Spring is a great time to lighten up meals and add more colour:

Move More, Your Way Movement doesn’t have to be strenuous to be effective. Great spring options include: Light stretching Gardening Cycling or walking Getting up to move regularly throughout the day

Choose seasonal fruit and veg Stay hydrated Keep simple, energising snacks on hand Mental Wellbeing: A Spring Reset With the Five Ways to Wellbeing Spring often brings a sense of clarity, making it the ideal moment to support your mental health. The Five Ways to Wellbeing — Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give — are simple, researchbased actions that can help you feel more balanced and resilient. Here’s how to weave them into your spring routine: Be Active Connect Physical activity is a powerful way to support Positive social connections help reduce stress mental wellbeing. Even gentle movement and boost your sense of belonging. Try: releases feel-good endorphins and reduces tension. Combine mental and physical Sharing breaks with colleagues wellbeing by: Checking in with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while Joining an activity group, or setting one up in the workplace group

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Taking a short walk outside Doing some gentle stretching Spending time gardening or outdoors

Take Notice Spring is full of small, uplifting moments — blossom, birdsong, new colours. Pausing to notice these can help ground you, reduce stress, and bring calm to a busy day. Try:

Keep Learning Learning boosts confidence and gives you something positive to focus on. This spring, you might: Explore a new hobby Attend a workshop or training session Learn a small skill you’ve been curious about

A mindful moment on your way to work Looking up at the sky during a break Noticing changes in the season each day

Give Acts of kindness — big or small — support both your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

Consider: Offering help to a colleague Giving positive feedback Sharing time, attention, or encouragement Financial Wellbeing: Spring Clean Your Money Habits Financial wellbeing is an important part of feeling secure and in control. A spring reset can help you feel more confident about money, without overwhelming yourself.

Review Your Finances Spend a few minutes looking at: Subscriptions you no longer need Small expenses that may have built up Whether your budget still suits your needs

Set One Simple Goal Choose a manageable financial goal such as: Building a small savings buffer Saving for a spring or summer activity Planning for annual upcoming costs

Use What’s Available to You The Financial Wellbeing pages of our website give details of resources available to you, which include: Financial wellbeing information through the Employee Benefits Portal Access to My Money Matters for members of the Local Government Pension Scheme Access to Lifestyle Savings These resources can make a real difference when you need clarity or reassurance, so don’t hesitate to explore what’s available.

The Employee Benefits Portal Remember that as an employee of Tayside Contracts you have access to our Employee Benefits Portal. The portal hosts a range of benefits which may support you, including access to confidential external support via the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and Your Care, which is a dynamic wellbeing platform offering a range of personal, emotional and financial wellbeing tools. You can register at www.vivup.co.uk/users/sign-in and login or access the portal via the Vivup app.

A Season of Renewal Spring reminds us that change doesn’t have to be dramatic — sometimes it’s gentle, gradual, and uplifting. By embracing small steps towards our physical, mental and financial wellbeing, we can make the most of the season’s lighter days and renewed energy.

Supporting Supporting the the Tulloch Tulloch Community Community Warm Warm Space Space This This Winter Winter

By Caroline Cruickshanks, Catering Services Manager Our catering team in Perth and Kinross has been proud to support a valuable community initiative in partnership with Gavin Marshall, Community Development Worker at Tulloch Net. Through funding secured by Gavin, a weekly hot meal has been provided for local residents every Tuesday evening at Tulloch Primary School, throughout the winter months.

Perth and Kinross Council operates similar services across a number of areas, offering free access to welcoming community spaces. These hubs encourage social interaction during the colder months and play an important role in reducing isolation and tackling loneliness. Alongside a warm meal, attendees can take part in a variety of activities, including:

Social clubs and conversation groups Arts and crafts sessions Educational talks and energy efficiency guidance Family friendly activities such as games and colouring

At Tulloch Primary School, Hub Supervisor Claire Copland has been serving meals to around 30 people each week. The service has welcomed a wide range of attendees, including families and individuals of all ages. Many have shared how much they value the opportunity to connect with others during the darker winter months.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Claire and her team for their continued dedication and support of the local community.

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Celebrating

CAROLYN ‌C AROLYN MCGREGOR’S‌ MCGREGOR’S National Success

By Angie McLellan, Catering Area Manager

We are delighted to share more fantastic news about Carolyn McGregor, Cook at Websters High School, who continues to make us incredibly proud.

After being crowned ASSIST School Chef of the Year at the ASSIST FM Awards ceremony in May 2025, Carolyn has taken another exciting step onto the national stage.

Courtesy of ASSIST, she travelled to London accompanied by Angie McLellan, Area Catering Manager - Angus, to attend an exclusive development and tasting day alongside other award-winning public sector chefs. The event gave finalists the opportunity to refine and perfect their dishes with Executive Chef, Paul Bates, Hilton Metropole, London ahead of the prestigious national awards ceremony award which was held on 9 April in London where her winning starter dish was part of the menu. Look out for further updates in future editions of Target.

Carolyn McGregor

Milne st, car park perth

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‌ o o ‌ d ‌ F ‌ ‌ ‌ H ‌ ‌ d ‌ e ‌ y ‌ c g ‌ ‌ n i ‌ ‌ a e ‌ ‌ n v ‌ ‌ e d ‌ ‌ ‌ A IPLOMA

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We are delighted to share that Kim Ewan has successfully completed her REHIS Advanced Food Hygiene Diploma—an outstanding achievement.

Kim began her journey back into education in October, attending an intensive weeklong course in Edinburgh with the City of Edinburgh Council. Following this, she undertook a challenging assignment, with four weeks to complete a paper addressing five key areas of food hygiene. This coursework contributed to her overall final grade.

In December, after a period of dedicated study, Kim returned to Edinburgh to complete a rigorous assessment process.

This included a three-hour written exam followed by a 30-minute oral examination with an Environmental Health Officer.

We’re proud to announce that Kim received confirmation of her success in January, having passed both her coursework and exams.

Kim is already looking ahead, with plans to further her expertise by pursuing the REHIS Advanced Diploma in HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points).

Congratulations once again, Kim, on this fantastic accomplishment!

By Caroline Cruickshanks, Catering Services Manager

UNION STREET, DUNDEE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS In Summer 2020 Dundee City Council and UNESCO City of Design Dundee began what became a 3-year long project to design a fully pedestrianised area and create more ways to utilise the outdoor space. The co-design team set up a shop space on Union Street to engage with the local businesses, residents, and general public.

People were at the core of the design process, and they were invited to take part in the following activities: Think Tanks Collaboration by sharing ideas and suggestions that could be investigated further.

Streetscape Collaboration by sharing ideas and suggestions that could be investigated further.

Community Collage Visual inspirations which allowed visitors to explore their aspirations for the look and feel of the street.

Client Visual

This innovative collaborate approach continues through the construction phase of the project.

Dundee City Council approved the £1.4 million competitively tendered contract to Tayside Contracts last year, supported by £1.1 million of funding from Transport Scotland. Dundee City Councils City Engineers and Tayside Contracts successful ongoing partnership has meant the project benefited from early contractor engagement with a continued focus on adding quality and value throughout.

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Dundee Roads Maintenance Partnership (DRMP) Project Manager, Craig Getty is taking lead on this prestigious project with the continued support from The Business Improvement Team and Chargehands, Daniel McLachlan and Martin Brown.

Groundworks Site works began in January; to date we have set up the site, completed site clearance and earthworks as well as commencing major drainage improvements. Tayside Contracts’ Sign Shop has produced additional signage to highlight to the public that businesses are open as usual.

In the background work continues on the bespoke design for seating, shelters, public events space, planting, cycle parking, and improved lighting.

A little-known fact is the paving designs are based around Dundee’s rich history in Jute and weaving industry with a local Quarry supplying the majority of paving slabs.

Signage

Tayside Contracts is proud to be part of these major works and looks forward to revealing the finished project in Autumn 2026.

Photography credit: Grant Anderson

click for more images of the development

By Kyleigh Myles, Business Improvement Officer

We are delighted that the live event is back on and we are looking forward to celebrating the excellent work that has been carried out over the last year by our employees. The live awards ceremony will take place in the Invercarse Hotel, Dundee on Friday 22nd May. Judging was again carried out by the Convenor and Vice Convenors of the Tayside Contracts Joint Committee and Dougie McKay, the Managing Director.

To be chosen as a finalist, in an organisation that employees over 2,500 people, is a wonderful achievement and you should be immensely proud.

The finalists in our Unit awards, those nominated by supervisors and managers are:

Catering Excellence: Westend Campus, Dundee Monifieth High School, Angus Riverside Primary School, P&K

Cleaning Excellence Perth Academy Stracathro Primary School, Angus Greenfield Academy, Dundee

Outstanding Contribution from an office-based employee or team Finance Team Procurement and Stores Team Chris Brown, Health and Safety Adviser

Construction Excellence: Fairmuir Depot Slurry Sealing Squad Ruthvenfield Depot, John Robertson Squad Kristaps Illmers, Ruthvenfield Depot

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FM Excellence: Greenfield Academy, Dundee Arbroath High School, Angus Invergowrie Primary School, P&K

The finalists in our Open to All awards, those nominated by colleagues and peers are:

Apprentice of the Year: Cole Murphy, Apprentice Roadworker (Dundee) Findlay Bodle, Apprentice Roadworker (Blairgowrie) Nathan Grahams, Apprentice Roadworker (Ruthvenfield)

Environment Award Craigowl Primary School Catering Team 20mph Signage Installation Squad, Ruthvenfield Depot Collace Quarry

Excellence in Customer Service: Bertha Park High School Catering Team Dundee Catering Management Team Kinross Cluster, Facilities Assistants

Outstanding Individual Contribution: Galin Zhivkov, Fleet Performance Manager Lexi Brown, Hub Supervisor, Viewlands Primary School Greg Campopiano, Quarry Manager, Collace Quarry

Best Service Team: Catering Area Managers Kingspark ASN School Catering Team Timmergreens Primary School Facilities Assistants

Qualifications‌‌ Qualifications Scotland!

By Susie Newton, Training and Development Adviser As of 1st February 2026, Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) was rebranded to Qualifications Scotland.

As Scotland’s new national qualifications body, they will award all qualifications that were previously awarded by SQA (including National Qualifications, Higher National Qualifications and Vocational Qualifications).

Qualifications Scotland marks a new beginning for Scotland’s qualifications and will bring huge benefits for learners, educators, employers and training providers.

In the main, most people will see no difference other than certificates now being issued with the Qualifications Scotland logo.

Every qualification you've achieved with SQA remains valid, recognised and valued by colleges, universities and employers across Scotland and beyond.

Your SQA qualification certificates also remain valid.

We were delighted to welcome our first set of certificates from Qualifications Scotland into Tayside Contracts for our approved First Aiders when they successfully completed their refresher training/assessment for “Award in First Aid at Work” which was delivered by Elaine Banks, Principal Health and Safety Adviser.

Well done, Scott Bradley (Collace), Sandy Ninnis (Collace) Picture left to right (Left Scott Bradley / Right Sandy Ninnis)

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Leadership Employee Survey Survey‌ ‌

By Susie Newton, Training and Development Adviser

‌ ‌ 6 2 20

Our latest employee survey was issued on Monday 20 April and will run until Friday 1 May 2026.

This is your opportunity to share your views on working at Tayside Contracts and help us continue improving the workplace. The survey will also contribute to our forthcoming Investors in People assessment which is due in December 2027.

This year, we’ve made the survey even easier to complete by offering a range of options including on-line access, direct emails or completion via work terminals.

It should only take 5-10 minutes to complete and please be assured - your answers are completely confidential!

We have taken on board feedback from past surveys, made further improvements to our policies and practices. As a result, we are aiming to retain our Investors in People status.

Please look out for further emails/communications with details on how to take part. We strongly encourage you to set aside a few minutes to complete the survey and share your feedback.

Dundee Roads Maintenance Partnership (DRMP) Partners with Gaist for Smarter, Greener Asset Management The Dundee Roads Maintenance Partnership (DRMP) plays a key role in keeping the city moving every day. Working alongside Tayside Contracts, our 65 strong team maintains 580 km of roads, 1,050 km of footways, 25,000 drainage gullies and more than 30,000 items of street furniture.

Whether it’s routine inspections, winter gritting, emergency repairs or improving pedestrian safety, our work supports communities right across Dundee.

To help us manage this extensive asset more effectively, DRMP has partnered with Gaist, a company specialising in high definition surveys of roads, footways and street furniture. Their advanced, AI supported technology provides a clear, independently verified picture of the condition of every part of the network. Unlike traditional survey methods, Gaist’s approach picks up the local issues that matter to residents, councillors and frontline teams, giving us reliable, granular data to guide our decisions.

This partnership helps us: Use resources wisely — making sure every pound is spent where it delivers the most benefit.

Plan ahead with confidence — modelling how different investment levels will affect road condition in the years ahead.

Improve transparency — providing clear, evidence-based updates for Council Members and the public.

Reduce our environmental impact — surveys are completed using a single vehicle, cutting emissions and minimising disruption.

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By Michael Colgan, DRMP Manager These surveys will also supplement our ongoing inspections, giving us accurate, repeatable comparisons of asset condition from one survey to the next. By combining our frontline knowledge with independently verified data, we can track changes more effectively, spot emerging issues earlier and plan maintenance with greater confidence.

By embracing new technology, DRMP is making smarter, greener choices that support everyone who lives, works and travels in Dundee. This collaboration shows how innovation and partnership working help us deliver high-quality, community-focused services across the city.

DRMP Secures Major Drainage Upgrade for Lochee High Street

The Dundee Roads Maintenance Partnership (DRMP) has successfully secured, through competitive tender, a significant new project to deliver a major water and drainage system on Lochee High Street, an investment that will support future social housing development in the area.

This project involves installing a new underground surface water conveyance system beneath the High Street, alongside the creation of a new raingarden on the vacant land between Aimer Square and Bank Street. Together, these improvements will enhance flood resilience across Lochee and downstream areas, paving the way for the redevelopment of derelict sites such as Bright Street Church and St Ann Lane. The raingarden will also provide a valuable new community space while boosting local biodiversity.

Valued at approximately £830,000, the contract sees DRMP acting as the main contractor, supported by a strong network of local supply chain partners. Geddes are delivering the initial earthworks with SDB Contracts constructing the sunken garden and gabion baskets, and KEAL, a contractor already well-known to colleagues in the Perth Roads Maintenance Partnership, being appointed to undertake the drainage works.

The project is already progressing well on site. The sunken garden is designed to mirror the success of a similar scheme delivered in Dundashill, Glasgow, and the image below illustrates the high quality outcome the team is aiming to achieve.

By Graeme Allan, Depute RMP Manager

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Parental Employability and Financial Support Campaign from Parent Club Parent Club is running this campaign to help parents struggling with money or employment worries.

If you’re finding it hard with costs mounting up and the thought of applying for benefits you’re entitled to, taking that first step into work, or looking for ways to increase your earnings, can be overwhelming but Parent Club can help. The good news is there is lots of support available and we can guide you to someone you can talk to about applying for benefits and one-off payments, or gaining skills, finding work or childcare. 👈🏻 click the image for more information.

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A Fresh Outlook for Collace: Modernising a Quarry Icon

Before Front Window When the Collace Quarry secured a 30-year extension to its rock reserves back in 2024, it signalled more than just continued operations — it marked the perfect moment to give its hardworking office building a long overdue upgrade.

After Front Window The original windows, installed sometime in the 1960s, had survived an era when hard hats resembled soup bowls, the Beatles were still honing their sound in underground clubs, and nobody imagined that glass would still be clinging on six decades later. By that standard alone, they’d earned their retirement.

Replacing them felt almost indulgent, like treating a battleworn building — one that’s spent a lifetime breathing quarry dust — to a well-deserved (spa treatment).

By Greg Campopiano, Quarry Manager

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But the impact was immediate. The new glazing has transformed the workspace, filtering out much of the daily noise and activity while improving insulation and energy efficiency. Staff now enjoy clearer views across the site, and the office itself feels noticeably more modern, comfortable and professional — a welcome shift in an environment known more for grit than glamour.

Before Side Window

After Side Window

And while the quarry will always be, well, a giant hole in the ground, at least the team can now look out at it through windows worthy of the 21st century… and pretend, just for a moment, that their office sits somewhere a little more glamorous.

Before Back Window

After Back Window

Your EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Unexplored benefits may lead to serious FOMO! – Don’t forget, you have access to some incredible employee benefits that your colleagues are already taking advantage of!

If you're not diving in, you're missing out. So don't let FOMO get the best of you while others feel the benefit! Start exploring how you can boost your wellbeing today.

Chance to Win 1 of 10 £100 Vouchers!

Vivup are giving away 10 fantastic prizes in their latest competition – and you could be in the running to win one just by registering with Vivup on your Tayside Contracts Employee Benefits Platform!

Simply visit the Tayside Contracts Employee Benefits Platform and complete your registration between 00:00 on 1st April 2026 and 23:59 on 30th June 2026. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be automatically entered for your chance to win!

Here’s what’s up for grabs! 🎁 10 x £100 vouchers to spend at a retailer of your choice That’s 10 chances to treat yourself – whether you’re after a home upgrade, a wardrobe refresh, a movie night, or a delicious meal out. The choice is completely yours!

Register now to be in with a chance to win!

How to Register To register and access your employee benefits please make sure you have your 6 digit numerical payroll number which you can find on your payslip.

From 2 April 2026, Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) will become mandatory. MFA adds an extra layer of security to help protect your personal details. Tayside Contracts preferred method of MFA is the Microsoft Authenticator App, therefore, please download this App to register and continue using Tayside Contracts Employee Benefits Platform.

Important: If MFA is not set up by 2 April 2026, you will not be able to access Tayside Contracts Employee Benefits Platform. You’ll regain access as soon as MFA setup is completed.

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Your April Pay Increase A Chance to Boost Your Retirement Savings

From 1 April 2026, your pay will increase following the two-year pay award agreed between COSLA and the Trade Unions last year.

While an increase in take-home pay is always welcome, this could also be a valuable opportunity to strengthen your future financial security by boosting your pension savings.

Consider putting some of your pay rise into your Shared Cost AVC If you’re a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), you have the option to pay into a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution (SCAVC) arrangement.

By choosing to start or increase a Shared Cost AVC, you could: Increase your retirement savings in a tax-efficient way Benefit from National Insurance savings through salary sacrifice Build extra flexibility alongside your main LGPS pension Boost your pension without feeling the full impact on your take-home pay Even a small percentage of your pay rise can make a meaningful difference over time.

Why use your pay rise?

When your pay increases, it can be easier to increase pension contributions without feeling a reduction in your existing monthly budget and means you’re investing in your future before the extra income becomes part of your regular spending.

How to find out more If you’d like to explore whether increasing or starting a Shared Cost AVC is right for you, view the My Money Matters webinar schedule here https://www.my-moneymatters.co.uk/webinars or if you’re ready to start a plan visit https://mymoneymatters.ws/register today.

Taking action now could help turn this year’s pay increase into long-term financial security for your retirement.

Alyth and Blairgowrie camera club have applied for roller banners through the Community Fund. They supplied the images and some information and the Signshop designed up options incorporating all the images.

Additional Low Emission Zone signage was ordered for Dundee City Centre.

after A fresh welcome to the Kingdom of Fife!

before

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The Orchardbank business park have ordered a replacement signage for the Forfar McDonald’s junction on the A90 to incorporate the business park. These signs were manufactured in multiple pieces and fit together with clips once erected.

Reflective rear hatching kit installed to a PKC vehicle.

Oakbank Primary School A bespoke pedestrian sign for the school

Tayside Contracts is proud to be a Pledge Partner and will continue to work in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Scotland and the DYW Tay Cities regional group to inspire and prepare Tayside’s young people to succeed in the world of work.

The DYW Pledge replaces the Young Person’s Guarantee and is a commitment from employers to support Scotland's young people to succeed in the world of work - through jobs, apprenticeships, further and higher education, training programmes and volunteering.

As a local employer, we have a diverse range of career paths and have seen many employees successfully progress their careers with us.

Dougie McKay, Managing Director is passionate about supporting and developing the young workforce as well as our own employees and was delighted to sign the Pledge in February 2026.

As a Pledge Partner, in addition to our modern apprenticeship programmes, we committed to offering: Class Talks within Schools Workplace Visits for Young People Work Experience Placements for Young People Attendance at Career Events/Career Fairs for Young People Employability Support Sessions including CV Feedback and Mock Interviews for Young People What we’ve been doing so far in 2026!

Scottish Apprenticeship Week We kicked off Scottish Apprenticeship Week which took place from 2 to 6 March 2026 when we joined over 25 local employers at the Developing the Young Workforce, Tay Cities ‘Apprenticeship & Careers Fair’ on Monday 2 March 2026 held at Kingsway Campus, Dundee.

This was a great event attended by Kim Ewan, Mark Melynk, Bernie Woodhouse, Christine Quinn, Mojeed Adeboye and Kyleigh Myles who showcased Tayside Contracts employment opportunities.

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Have a read of what they had to say!

“It was extremely positive to attend and promote Tayside Contracts.”

Kim Ewan CPU Manager

“I felt it was really positive, the morning seemed to go by rapidly as students were focused on what they wanted to ask from respective stands. We had a lot of queries relating to the workshop, electrician and construction roles.”

Mark Melynk Businnes Improvement Manager

“First time I have attended one and was lovely to get talking to all the young people about their aspirations for the future”.

Christine Quinn Assistant Catering Manager, Dundee

The team were also joined for a period by Dougie McKay, Managing Director who stated: “It was great to see so many young people in attendance and from speaking to you all, the morning session was even more engaging.”

Natalie Marr, Employer Liaison Officer, DYW Tay Cities stated “Thanks so much for attending and your team were absolutely fantastic. Suzanne, thanks for organising. Your team were very well received by our young people, and they had a lot of the footfall coming through which was approximately 600 which is also amazing.”

We are delighted with the feedback and looking forward to attending again next year and other events outwith Dundee.

Kinross High School Careers Fair!

Lesley Johnstone and Jane Turver attended Kinross High School Careers Fair on 5 February 2026. This careers fair was open to S3 to S6 pupils and after the school day had finished, was open to S2 pupils and parents/carers.

Abertay Part-Time Jobs Fair!

After Suzanne attended an extremely busy parttime jobs fair held at Abertay University in September 2025, Douglas Irvine and Neil Bovill kindly volunteered to attend on 12 March 2026.

Dundee Jobcentre Youth Recruitment Event!

Kim Ewan and John Curran (pictured) also attended the Dundee Jobcentre Youth Recruitment Event on 24 March 2026 at Dundee Wellgate.

John stated “It was tailored towards young jobseekers, mostly between 18 to 22, I’d say. While some of the attendees had heard of TC, a larger proportion of those who we spoke to didn’t know anything about us and what we did, so it was advantageous to share how broad our operations were.”

Morgan Academy S4 ‘Enterprise Me’ Qualification!

On 20 March 2026, Suzanne Keay attended Morgan Academy to meet with a small group of S4 pupils undertaking an ‘Enterprise Me’ qualification.

Suzanne delivered a presentation to the group on ‘How to Prepare for a Job Interview’ and then returned on 27 March 2026 to carry out mock interviews with them on their preferred job role.

Suzanne thoroughly enjoyed the experience of engaging with the young people and hopes this helps prepare them to smash their first job interview ideally which we hope will be with Tayside Contracts.

Work Experience Placements!

We were asked to offer work experience placements to young people from six secondary schools in Dundee. Work experiences placements are an important part of careers education, offering young people an opportunity to experience a work environment and help them to plan their future career.

We are therefore delighted to have offered: 6 placements within Catering including the CPU and Facilities Operations 4 placements within Facilities Management 1 placement within Corporate Support Services.

The work experience placements will take place in April, May and June 2026. The world of work can be a daunting place for a young person and work experience placements can leave a lasting impression on them. Please join us in making the young people feel welcome at Tayside Contracts and show what a great place it is to work.

By Leanne Reilly, Strategic Lead HR, IT and Business Support

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On Wednesday 25 March, ‘Save by the Bell’ SCIO, invited us to join them at The Steeple Church, Dundee to celebrate their 20th Anniversary, marking two decades of empowering young people in Dundee schools over the past 20 years with essential money management skills through financial education.

This group applied to the Tayside Contracts Community Fund for the provision of the buffet for their event and they were delighted to be successful in their application.

The photo shows, from left to right, Councillor Lynne Short, Cameron Powell, Save by the Bell, Chair and Dougie McKay, Managing Director.

BRECHIN COMMUNITY GARDEN

Feedback from a member of the Brechin Community Garden group stated, ‘I would like to thank you and your squad for the very good job you have done with our new path. And you have taken those horrible mats away and I am very grateful.’

Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid Course: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

By Susie Newton, Training and Development Adviser As part of Tayside Contracts Wellbeing Strategy, we are committed to delivering training on Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid. Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) course is a nationally recognised training programme designed to improve mental health awareness, confidence, and early intervention skills across communities and workplaces.

Developed by Public Health Scotland, it equips individuals with practical tools to support someone experiencing mental distress while maintaining healthy boundaries and signposting to professional help.

The following is a brief outline of what is covered on the course: guidance on being a Mental Health First Aider attitudes to mental health issues equalities the recovery message the impact of alcohol and drugs on mental health introduction to suicide intervention listening skills understanding depression how to offer first aid to someone experiencing depression understanding anxiety how to offer first aid to someone experiencing anxiety understanding psychosis how to offer first aid to someone experiencing a psychotic episode.

The course does not train people to be mental health workers. It offers basic general information about mental health issues. The knowledge presented and understanding developed in the course helps to remove stigma and fear and to give confidence in approaching a person in distress.

Mental Health First Aid is an initial response to distress and all participants on the course understand that this help is given only until other suitable or professional help can be found.

The course is delivered in a supportive, interactive environment and runs over two full days (or can be split into several half-days, or shorter sessions).

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Graeme Allan, Depute RMP Manager Who Is the Course For? The SMHFA course is open to all Line Managers Trade Union Reps Approved Tayside Contracts First Aiders HR Unit Feedback on recent courses has been positive, with some comments such as: Very worthwhile course and I feel much more confident and comfortable handling mental health issues now.

Quality of the training was very high; all topics were approached sensitively.

Information was relevant to some situations I have dealt with in the past which gave me a greater understanding of how individuals may have been feeling and what my own actions may have contributed to the persons situation. I found the course interesting and very beneficial to help me support people within the workplace.

This was obviously quite a heavy course to be on and some of the stories and situations were quite tough to hear. A few of the sub-topics really hit home for me. Our trainer, Susie had a way about her of making everyone feel very comfortable & regularly checking in with us all. I don't know if I would have managed to complete this course if it hadn't been for such a fantastic trainer. Susie really got the core points across whilst also ensuring the mood of the room was lifted at all times. I totally appreciate it's an extremely serious subject, but Susie had the exactly correct balance for this course to ensure that it wasn't TOO heavy on us. Thank you.

If you would like to find out more information on attendance speak to your line manager direct.

Union Street

signage

SIGN SHO P

The Signshop was asked to create signage to be installed on the Heras fence around the works on Union Street, advertising the businesses involved and providing directional signage for the shops along the street.

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Retirement Margaret Margaret HAPPY Retirement After an impressive 24 years with Tayside Contracts, Margaret Wightman decided to retire on the 7th April.

Margaret started in 2002 and was well known for her many years as the ‘trolley dolly’ at Contracts House. When Covid hit in 2020 and most of Contracts House were working from home, Margaret moved to Tay Cuisine where she worked as Potioning Supervisor. Margaret was delighted to be sent off from past and present colleagues who presented her with a card, flowers and some Euros for her upcoming 6 holiday's she has already booked to enjoy retirement!.

Thanks for all your service Margaret.

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